Backlash could force Democrats to rethink IRS 'snooping' provision

Congressional Democrats, concerned over lukewarm public enthusiasm for their massive social welfare spending package, may be forced to modify a tax-raising provision that has prompted significant backlash. 

A plan to provide the IRS with access to individual bank accounts with balances as low as $600 may end up significantly modified or even dropped altogether amid opposition from lawmakers and trade groups who say it would infringe on privacy and create significant liability for financial institutions as well as add new costs for consumers.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, brushed off concerns about the provision when reporters asked about it on Tuesday but acknowledged the terms could change. 

“Yes, there are concerns that some people have,” Pelosi said. “But if people are breaking the law and not paying their taxes, one way to track them is through the banking measure.”